Third time lucky? Chiefs owner’s touching tribute as Travis Kelce chases one thing missing from impressive CV

Travis Kelce has achieved almost everything there is to do on a football field.

When hangs up his cleats the legendary tight end — ranked as one of the greatest to ever play the position — will ride off into the sunset with a string of NFL and franchise records.

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During his storied 13 years with the Kansas City Chiefs, he has caught more touchdowns than anyone else in team history, and is also closing in on the likes of Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez and Rob Gronkowski in terms of league-wide TE scores.

Kelce, a 10-time Pro Bowler, has won the Super Bowl on three occasions and is guaranteed to go into the Hall of Fame.

Yet, he still has one last win in his sights.

Travis Kelce nominated for prestigious NFL award

On Thursday, the Chiefs announced the veteran as their club winner for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

The award is the NFL’s most prestigious honor, which recognizes players who excel on the field and also demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.

Kelce, 36, has been nominated alongside 31 other club winners, and the award will be handed out to one of those names at the NFL Honors ceremony on February 5.

All 32 team nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.

Kelce was Kansas City’s nominee for both the 2020 and 2024 season. On those occasions, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead won the award.

Chiefs organization shares hope for Travis Kelce award win

This time around, though, team owner Clark Hunt hopes to see his star scoop the award.

In a statement, the chairman and CEO described Kelce as ‘a leader in every sense of the word’ both on and off the field.

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“Over the course of his career, Travis has rewritten the franchise record book and earned an unprecedented ten consecutive Pro Bowl selections,” Hunt’s message read.

“During that time, he has united our community and inspired our fans while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

“His Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation and his work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab have helped to shape a brighter future for the next generation throughout Chiefs Kingdom.

“The entire Chiefs organization and the greater Kansas City community are proud to once again have Travis as the club’s selection for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.”

Clark’s wife, Tavia Hunt, also shared her support on Instagram. On her personal story, she re-posted a collaborative reel from the Chiefs and the New Heights podcast, which featured a message from Kelce to fans.

Why has Travis Kelce been nominated for the Walter Payton award?

The tight end has been an integral member of the local Kansas City community since he arrived as the 63rd overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.

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Kelce founded the Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation in 2015. The nonprofit organization aims to empower disadvantaged youth in the community by providing resources and support to showcase their talents in education, business, athletics, STEM, and the arts.

With his foundation, the NFL star has also collaborated with Operation Breakthrough, an after-school education environment that provides support and opportunities for inner-Kansas City youth.

During this year’s ‘My Cause My Cleats’ game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, Kelce wore footwear customized by students from the project.

As part of Operation Breakthrough, Kelce opened Ignition Lab in 2021, which aims to teach students skills beyond what they may learn in the classroom.

In the four years since, the lab has served over 1,000 high school students with a hands-on learning experience that helps them develop skills to pursue a career in sectors including culinary arts, automotive technology and graphic design.

Just for being nominated for the Walter Payton award, his Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation will receive a $40,000 donation.

The winner’s cause will receive up to $250,000, courtesy of the NFL Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation.

How are Walter Payton winners honored on the field?

Club nominees are recognized on the field too, beginning in Week 14 with a WPMOY trophy silhouette helmet decal applied through the end of the season.

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The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award also wear a special patch on their jersey for the rest of their careers.

Should Kelce win the award in February, he may never wear the patch, as many have speculated he will retire at the end of the season.

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